Leaning over the engine of his transportation, Jolark whistled to himself and got to work adding the newly found pieces to keep it running at least until he reached his next destination. There was a reputable garage in the next town, so he didn't worry too much about getting the work done accurately. He had stopped temporarily, not too far from Gyhn, at a rundown petrol station to fix the car. The owner was happy to let him work away on it as the sun had now broken through the clouds and was cooking anything on the ground. The weather in this country was so unusual; one night it's a blizzard and the next day the heat is impossible! Jolark chuckled to himself and closed the bonnet with a firm slam, alerting Ulo to progress in their journey.
“Good to go, matey!” He threw his thumb up and laughed louder as his companion leant on the side of the car to get a better look. “Hey, trust me. Have I ever let you down before?”
Not sure how to answer him, Ulo sat back in the ripped leather chair and studied the dashboard. Getting into the driver's seat again, Jolark smiled at his companion as he turned the key and the car woke up with a warm sound of power.
“That's more like it!” Waving in thanks as he drove off in the direction of his next stop, Jolark enjoyed the cool air hitting him in the heat. Wasn't too far to the next stop and his next hopeful fix for this tired machine. He smiled as a wave of warmth hit his face from the road and engine alike. In weather like this, there was only one thing on his mind, a nice, refreshing glass of Clio's lemonade. Feeling his mouth water, Jolark rested his foot firmly on the accelerator making the car gain speed towards the next stop.
2 – USHEB VALLEY – Kurym Sobi
The water was nice and cool in comparison to the heat cooking everything outside in the morning sun. Only last night she'd heard that Gyhn was in the midst of a strong blizzard and it was hardly any distance from here to that troubled place. One thing about Bahndett was the weather system that changed from region to region, no two regions had the same weather at the same time. Something about the Weather Stones that had gone missing centuries ago and where they were now was at the root of it. Scholars and story tellers all had their own individual theories for this and not one made any logical sense, not that the fluctuating weather made sense. Tilting her head back, allowing the droplets of water to decorate her face, she sighed happily and closed her eyes. Another quiet day to herself and her best friend, who was probably still asleep even though it was nearly noon. Squirting some shampoo onto her scalp, she began to massage the ointment and hum to herself. Another quiet day to live her peaceful life in Usheb Valley. Nothing ever happened here, even the travellers that stopped by didn't cause any trouble. There was something consistently peaceful about this town, perhaps the fact that the wind that swept in from the top of the canyon it was situated in had something to do with it. Whenever you found yourself getting too hot, without fail that breeze flew in to cool you down again. A perfect getaway for many and for the locals, too pleasant to leave. She washed her hair free of shampoo and smiled as she became aware of pair of strong hands gliding around her ribs just underneath her breasts and linking together to hold her close. Turning her head a little, she caught his eye in hers and greeted him with another smile.
"Room for one more?" Kurym held his wife warmly around the midrift and ducked his head under the water that was pouring into the bathtub they were standing in.
"Always." Clio rested her head on his shoulder and felt him kiss her ear. Being deliberate in her movements, she turned around so they were face to face. They didn't need to say anything else, instead they greeted one another in their usual way; a strong kiss and embrace.
Kurym leant on the wooden balcony overlooking the valley and yawned widely. It had been a good start to the day, but it usually was when he got to make love to his beautiful Clio. Nothing would beat that for a perfect start. Smiling as he thought back to what they had just done in the bathroom, the tall man relit his cigarette that had gone out, leaning on the balcony again and blowing smoke out into the air. He thought about what the day would hold for him today, he had a shift at the local bar later although he wouldn't call what he did bar-work. Security, that was more accurate. He and Clio had lived in Usheb Valley for years and when the war had started; like many locals, both had been enlisted into the military, however not in the same regiment. That had been torture for Kurym as he loved being with his Clio... He had been sent north to the shores of Arbo where he lead a battalion against a strong force attacking from the ocean. They had come on sea serpents; vile, wicked beasts with agility in their movements causing large waves of whatever they were travelling on. Sand, water or even the rough stones from the cliffs near the town, all flew in and battered whoever was unfortunate enough to be in close proximity. Not only their bodies caused damage, their fangs were lethal if you were unluckily in their path when they felt hunger pains in their bellies. Kurym had witnessed many of his young battalion lose their lives in such a manner during his time in the army. He too had lost something in the wars, everybody had. His precious Clio had been sent to Gyhn, a small town not far from here where the locals were stuck in the past with their ways of life. Mills, inns and their fashion sense... Kurym had laughed when he'd heard Clio was being stationed there as he couldn't see her in a dress, nor could she but nobody had the luxury of fashion shows because of the war. Anybody who was posted there was in full regimental and armour. Luckily for Clio and for Kurym, she had been sent on a convoy to get supplies the day that the kryken attacked Gyhn. Not so lucky for the poor souls of the town though...
"Kurym?"
"Yeah?" He stubbed out his cigarette in a nearby mug and turned to his wife as she stood in the living room. He could see her through the glass door leading out to the balcony he was on because their apartment was small but comfortable for just the two of them. Neither fancied breeding so this little home was fine for them and Kurym took up enough space as it was. A towering fellow and built strongly as if he were designed to carry three or four of those famously heavy Gyhn timber beams; Kurym usually found himself taking up the whole sofa even if he didn't intend to. This place was perfect for them, one bedroom, bathroom, living room with a tiny kitchen en-suite and the entrance hall. And of course, this balcony overlooking the town. Glancing up as some birds flew overheard, Kurym watched them fly up towards more similarly built apartments, built into the rock of the valley. He loved this place and was happy it was safe...
"I need to go out and get something for dinner," Clio smiled at him as she picked up her wallet from a table in the living room, "any requests?"
Kurym smiled and shook his head.
"Nah, whatever you fancy." He nodded and ducked inside the building, standing beside her in a mere two strides from his tall stance. "I'd be quite happy to just have you for dinner."
"Oh you." Clio laughed and kissed him as he leaned over to her. "I'm not afraid of you..." She winked at him and left the apartment to visit the local stalls and traders. He watched her go and sighed happily as he decided he'd have some quiet time to himself with a little nap before he would get called into work later.
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